Average state pensions in Russia are expected to grow 20% annually in the next three years, a deputy economics minister said on Wednesday.

"The average pension in 2009 is expected to total 5,063 rubles ($212), 6,145 rubles ($258) in 2010, and 7,377 rubles ($309) in 2011," Andrei Klepach told a news conference in Moscow.

The average state pension in Russia will reach 4,262 rubles ($179) in 2008. However, with inflation continuing unabated, many pensioners in Russia have been left struggling to afford basic goods.

Klepach earlier said there is a high risk that the Russian government will fail to keep inflation within the projected 10% range in 2008. It soared to 11.9% last year despite the authorities' efforts to keep it within 8%.

Inflation in Russia stood at 6.5% from January 1 to May 5 and may exceed 1% in May.